As India and China strive for a lasting truce on their contentious border, recent agreements suggest a genuine attempt to mend relations. However, underlying distrust stemming from past conflicts remains, and analysts caution that the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts will depend on both nations’ commitment to maintaining dialogue.
India and China‘s Path to Lasting Border Peace
The normalization of relations between India and China has been a long-standing goal for both nations. In recent years, efforts have intensified to resolve disputes and foster cooperation along their contentious border.
Resuming Pilgrimages and Border Trade
After a five-year gap, India and China‘s special representatives decided to move forward with normalizing ties by resuming pilgrimages and border trade. This decision was made during extensive talks between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday.
Addressing Critical Border Concerns
A meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, set the stage for addressing critical border concerns. The two nations have accused each other of trying to seize territory along their de facto border, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which India claims is 3,488 kilometers long and China says is shorter.
A History of Tensions
In May 2020, a skirmish in the Galwan River valley resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers, with China later confirming four of its troops had been killed. Since then, numerous talks and meetings have been held to resolve the issue, including 21 corps commander-level talks and 32 meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs.
A Long Road Ahead
While recent agreements suggest a genuine attempt to mend relations, underlying distrust stemming from past conflicts remains. Analysts point out that the effectiveness of the latest diplomatic efforts will depend on both nations’ commitment to maintaining dialogue and addressing security concerns without external pressures influencing their decisions.
Challenges Ahead
Maintaining high numbers of troops in border regions is imposing intolerable costs for both nations. As one analyst noted, “Both sides have re-embarked on the long and winding road to normalcy.” Trade, commerce, and engagement will infuse greater momentum, but societal and cultural rhythms must also be given space.
A Pivotal Moment?
Regional dynamics have witnessed high levels of turbulence over the past few months. Analysts caution that describing the present phase as “pivotal” may be premature, with an incremental and cautious process underway instead.
Next Steps
Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and India, providing a platform for reaffirming commitments to peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. Further progress will depend on maintaining tranquility and peace on the borders, as well as de-escalation along the LAC.
